Doodling with Dodolulu

Hong Kong-based illustrator dodolulu has long found it difficult to strike a balance between having an active social life and sufficient alone time. This dilemma is embodied in her watercolor illustrations in the form of expressionless female characters who carry themselves with an aura of ambivalence. Meandering through the pages of her sketchbook, these doll-like characters have become a way for dodolulu to share her observations on the quirks of human nature.

“I believe people are generally expressionless when they’re alone,” she comments. “We’ll look like we’re devoid of any emotion. This is our truest forms. That’s why I choose to draw my characters this way. When people see these characters I draw, I want them to look inwards and discover what’s in their hearts.”

In a way, the emotionless demeanors of her characters act as blank canvases. It allows the audience ample room to draw from their past experiences and form their own interpretations of the work. “Some people say that my drawings are dreamy or relaxing to look at, and others have described them as being overly melancholic,” dodolulu tells us. “I think it’s quite interesting that the same drawing can elicit such different interpretations from person to person.”

While art has been a useful tool in helping dodolulu manifest many of her ideas, the human need to socialize with others remains a puzzling matter for her. “I enjoy alone time, and I think my drawings reveal just how much I truly appreciate solitude,” she admits. “But I think everyone experiences similar struggles of wanting to find a balance between spending time with friends and setting aside alone time for themselves. It’s a constant tug-of-war. I suppose my illustrations are ultimately a way for me to muse on this human predicament.”